The permanent exhibit at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum looks at the life and career of President George W. Bush. The exhibit brings the story of President and Mrs. Bush’s leadership to life for visitors by highlighting the principles they followed when making key decisions and by promoting an understanding of the Presidency, American history, and public policy.

Artifacts, documents, audiovisual, and interactive components capture the key decisions and events of the Presidency of George W. Bush. Visitors experience many facets of President Bush’s time in the White House, including the campaign and the 2000 election, key legislative moments from the presidency, and compassionate policy initiatives enacted during his Administration.

A Nation Under Attack - Remember the events of September 11, 2001, and honor the lives lost. Artifacts, including steel from the World Trade Center that visitors may touch, the bullhorn President Bush used to address the crowd at Ground Zero, and letters he received in the days following the attacks, make up a solemn and moving memorial to a pivotal moment in our Nation's history.

Life in the White House - Peek behind the closed doors of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to see what life is like inside the White House. Learn more about the First Pets, witness the pomp and circumstance that comes with a state dinner, and enjoy a film in the White House Theater about Camp David, the Bush Ranch in Texas, and the President and First Lady's sense of humor.

Oval Office - The Oval Office exhibit is an exact replica, in scale and design, as the one in the White House during the Bush Administration. Visitors are able to take an up-close look at the paintings, sculptures, and bookcases, and may even sit behind the reproduction of the Resolute Desk for a photograph.

Critical Decisions - Play the role of President and dive into the decision-making process in our interactive Decision Points Theater. Hear from presidential advisers and voice how you would act as President when faced with major crises such as Hurricane Katrina or the troop surge in Iraq.

Native Texas Park - Open year round, this 15-acre urban park reflects President and Mrs. Bush’s love of the native Texas landscape. On a self-guided or group tour, visitors can explore native Texas environments such as Blackland Prairie, Post Oak Savannah, and Cross Timbers Forest. Pets are welcome.

When a President accepts a gift from a foreign Head of State, it becomes the property of the American people, as the President works on our behalf. The President may choose to retain some gifts at the end of the term. For gifts from foreign Heads of State, the President must purchase the gift at the appraised value if he chooses to keep it. For domestic gifts or gifts from foreign private citizens under a set dollar amount (currently $335), the President may keep them as they choose. For domestic gifts or gifts from foreign private citizens over the set amount, the President must declare them on their taxes if they choose to keep them. If the President does not formally indicate their intent to keep, purchase or declare the gifts, they are automatically transferred to the National Archives.

The primary mission of every presidential library is providing information, and at the heart of that mission are the Library’s archival collections. The Bush Library has an immense set of materials. First, what differentiates the Bush Library collections from other presidential libraries is the size of its electronic records archive.

Opened to the public on May 1, 2013, the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is America’s 13th presidential library, overseen by the National Archives and Records Administration. Like the other Federally-owned Presidential libraries, the Bush Library serves as a portal to the National Archives and its vast holdings at 45 locations around the nation.

Presidential libraries hold the papers and records created by, for, or about Presidents and their administrations. Without the preservation of and access to these materials, the history of our nation would be incomplete. They document the key decisions, policies, and activities of the institution of the Presidency – the highest level of government – and provide a vital record of how a President and his staff arrive at crucial decisions. Also, through exhibits, educational initiatives, and public programs, the libraries perform a critical outreach mission in their communities and beyond.